Implantable electromechanical plug connector

Abstract

An implantable electromechanical plug connector is described with a plug part and a socket part, of which the plug part has at least one joining portion which can be inserted completely into a unilaterally open insertion opening within the socket part and has at least one electrically insulating surface having at least one electrode body (6) with a freely accessible electrode surface, and of which the socket part has, inside the unilaterally open insertion opening, an electrically insulating wall portion which laterally delimits the insertion opening at least in part and whose surface makes available at least one counterelectrode body with a freely accessible counterelectrode surface, wherein the electrically insulating wall portion of the electrically insulating surface of the joining portion of the plug part, in the state of complete insertion of the plug part's joining portion in the insertion opening, is oriented in such a way that the counterelectrode surface touches the electrode surface, wherein the at least one electrode body (6) is raised in relation to the electrically insulating surface of the joining portion and / or the at least one counterelectrode body is raised in relation to the surface of the electrically insulating wall portion, and wherein at least one electrically insulating polymer layer is arranged at least in part between the electrically insulating surface of the joining portion and the surface of the electrically insulating wall portion, which polymer layer completely surrounds the mutually touching counterelectrode surface and electrode surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Reference is made to PCT / EP2017 / 066925 filed Jul. 6, 2017, and German Application No. 10 2016 212 332.7 filed Jul. 6, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to an implantable electromechanical plug connector with a plug part and a socket part.Description of the Prior Art[0003]In general, electromechanical plug connectors involve two components that can be inserted into each other in a mechanically detachment-resistant manner for the purpose of electrical energy and / or signal transmission and, depending on their design and use, are subject to specific operational safety-relevant requirements. In the case of implantable plug connectors, these must meet the requirements relating to active, implantable medical devices that are exposed to a continually moist environment which they should withstand undamaged in terms of moisture or water pen...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a small and implantable plug connector that is highly resistant to moisture and prevents damage to its electrically conductive structures. It can be easily opened and closed without additional components and minimizes incorrect operation. The plug connector's compact shape allows it to connect with multiple electrical transmission leads. Furthermore, the invention includes a hygroscopic polymer layer that swells on contact with moisture, improving sealing and reducing wear during operation. The plug connector is particularly suitable for contacting multiple electrodes and counterelectrodes on the plug and socket parts to connect as many electrical transmission channels as possible. The plug part and socket part have electrically insulating surfaces with freely accessible electrode or counterelectrode surfaces, allowing for a large number of connection points. The plug connector can connect up to (256 separate electrical transmission channels, preferably up to (50)).

Problems solved by technology

The particular challenge in designing such plug connectors is preventing the penetration of water or moisture between the plug part and socket part of a plug connector for as long as possible to avoid water or moisture coming into contact with the electrical structures within a plug connector.

Water contact on electrically conducting lead and electrode structures, which are mostly metallic, leads to irreversible degradation and an associated impairment of the electrical and signal transmission properties of the plug connector.

In addition, the presence of water or moisture can cause detachment of the metallic structures within the plug connector from the surfaces of the components immediately surrounding them, which are usually polymer material, thereby reducing the lifespan of such plug connectors.

The number of electrical contacts is therefore significantly limited by the diameter of the plug connector.

In the case of intracorporeal application of the plug connector, this requires additional work and instrument use as well as the access necessary for this and space for operating the clamping device, designed in the form of an Allen screw for example.

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